October 25, 1949 - February 9, 2021
Born: October 25, 1949 in Drumheller, Alberta Died: February 9, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta
Vernon Peter Iwanichuk was born to John and Tillie (Yacey) Iwanichuk. During his childhood the family's surname was legally changed to Hilton and his given name to Monty. When he was a young child Monty moved to Red Deer where he enjoyed spending his days outside exploring the area around Rotary Park. He attended Lindsay Thurber High School, followed by a year at Red Deer College. He then completed a Biological Sciences Diploma at NAIT.
In 1973, Monty began his dream career with Alberta Fish and Wildlife. He was first stationed in St. Paul, but later transferred to Edmonton, and finally to Red Deer. He married Ellen Grant in 1974 and they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Laura, in 1983.
Monty suffered from bipolar disorder, as well as polycystic kidney disease, which contributed to him being unable to maintain his work and marriage. Ellen and Monty agreed to divorce in 2000 and he moved to live with his mother.
In 2004, Monty received a kidney transplant which resulted in him being able to enjoy many more years of life and activities that he loved. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, golfing, dancing, cooking, listening to music, visiting with friends over coffee and adored his Labrador Retrievers.
Monty was predeceased by his father, John Hilton, in 1980 and his mother, Tillie (Hilton) Van Slyke, in 2016. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Nick Witczak, as well as his grandson, Alexander Witczak.
He also leaves his special friends Jessica, Dustin and Ryker Hendry who showed him kindness and are providing his beautiful puppy with a loving home.
The family sincerely thanks Dr. Norman Costigan for his decades of support and care for Monty. We also wish to express our gratitude to the staff of West Park Elementary school, neighbours, and first responders who attended to Monty after he suffered a traumatic head injury due to falling outside on an extremely cold Alberta day.
At Monty's request there will be no funeral. If you wish to perform an act of remembrance, please consider registering at www.myhealth.alberta.ca as an organ / tissue donor. Alternatively, monetary donations could be made in his name to either the Kidney Foundation of Canada or to the Central Alberta Region of the Canadian Mental Health Association.